Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Studying Cell Cycle-regulated Gene Expression by Two Complementary Cell Synchronization Protocols
Published on: June 6, 2017
Who's in charge here? Regulating cell cycle regulators
Lisa M Bowers1, Elaine B Shapland, Kathleen R Ryan
1Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, 251 Koshland Hall, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. lbowers@nature.berkeley.edu
Abstract:
Recent studies have illuminated key features of the transcriptional and signal transduction networks governing the cell division cycle of Caulobacter crescentus. These mechanisms generate oscillations in the activity of CtrA, a key regulator of DNA replication and transcription of cell cycle regulated genes. ctrA transcription is itself regulated as part of a cascade of transcriptional regulators, each of which drives the synthesis of proteins needed at different stages of the cell cycle. The CtrA protein is post-transcriptionally regulated by an extended network of two-component signaling proteins and by proteolysis. Proteins within these pathways are localized at opposite ends of the cell to generate two progenies in different stages of the cell cycle upon cell division.
Related Concept Videos
The Cell Cycle Control System
Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are the primary cell cycle regulators and function at the cell...
The Cell Cycle Control System
The Cell Cycle Control System
Molecular Factors Affecting Cell Division
Several proteins function as internal regulators to ensure each cell cycle stage is completed faithfully before proceeding to the next. Regulator molecules may act directly or influence the activity or production of other...
Positive Regulator Molecules
Positive Regulator Molecules

